Greeks are now a part of the US visa waiver program (VWP). This means all Greek citizens can visit the country without a visa. This includes holders of ordinary, service, and official passports. All you need is to obtain an ESTA - an electronic system of travel authentication.
Although Greek citizens enjoy visa exemptions, they are still required to get a travel document. Here's everything you need to know about traveling to the United States of America from Greece.
US ESTA for Greek Citizens
All Greeks are required to have an ESTA in order to visit the United States of America without a valid visa. An ESTA or electronic system of travel authentication is a travel document issued by the USA. It was launched in 2009 under the visa waiver program. The main purpose of ESTA is to process the data of a visitor entering the USA.
The data is used to determine whether a visitor poses an immigration or security risk to US citizens or residents. All foreign nationals of a visa waiver country, such as Greece, can enter the US by presenting an ESTA. It is a streamlined process and can be obtained within 72 hours of submitting your application.
How to Apply for ESTA from Greece?
The best thing about ESTA is that you don’t need to waste your precious time visiting the US embassy. You can apply for an ESTA from the comfort of your home. In addition, the visa application process for an ESTA is quite straightforward. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
Fill out the ESTA application form
Pay the visa fees using a secure online payment option
Submit your application
That's it! You don’t need to visit the US embassy or attend a visa interview. Once you submit your application, you'll get your ESTA within 72 hours. An ESTA allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. It is a multiple-entry travel authentication that expires after 2 years.
Required Documents
All travelers, including diplomatic passport holders, arriving in the USA by sea or air are required to have an ESTA or a traditional visa. This travel document is just for transit, medical, business, and tourism purposes. In addition, a separate ESTA application is necessary per adult, teen, child, or infant traveler.
To fill out the ESTA application form, applicants are required to provide personal, contact, and travel details. They also need to fulfill some visa requirements and submit additional documents:
A valid passport valid for at least 6 months
A valid e-mail address
A debit card or credit card
Keep in mind that an ESTA does not guarantee admission to the United States of America. The immigration center has the final say!
Extending Your Stay - Visa Options for Greeks
If a Greek passport holder is not eligible for ESTA or wants to stay in the US for more than 90 days, they are required to apply for a visa. All denied applicants are eligible to apply for a B-1 or a B-2 nonimmigrant visas.
B-1 Visa
B-1 is a temporary business visa issued by the US government. All Greek citizens are eligible for a B-1 visa if they will be participating in business activities of a professional or commercial nature in the United States. These activities include:
Participating in short-term training
Negotiating a contract
Settling an estate
Consulting with business associates
Attending a business meeting
B-2 Visa
The US e-visa ESTA is undoubtedly the best option for Greek citizens who want to enter the country for tourism. However, if you are eligible for ESTA, you can apply for a B-2 visa. This one is a visitor visa that allows you to enter the country for non-commerce purposes, including:
Tourism
Vacation
Medical treatment
Short study courses
Visiting relatives or friends
US Embassy in Greece
To get an ESTA, you don't need to visit the US embassy. You don't even have to schedule an interview. As ESTA is a streamlined process, you can apply for this document directly using your laptop or mobile device.
There are different steps to applying for a US visa. The order of these steps may vary by US consulate or embassy. Generally speaking, visa applicants are required to fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form, provide a photograph and submit their application.
Once you submit your application, you're required to schedule an interview. All applicants from 14-79 years of age are required to attend the interview. You can schedule an interview in any country of your choice. However, it is recommended to schedule an appointment for your interview at the nearest US mission.
The US Embassy Address
91 Vasilisis Sophias Ave
10160 Athens
Greece